Attaching system for a container and a base

Abstract

An attachment system for attaching a container and a base, the container having an elongated member extending towards the base and the base having an elongated portion for cooperating with the member to connect the container and base together. The base has other structure for supporting the container.

We claim:  
     
       1. An attachment system for attaching a container and a base together, said system comprising: 
       a container; and  
       a base;  
       said container including:  
       a wall extending in one direction for holding something in said container;  
       at least one supporting surface of a predetermined configuration;  
       a bottom portion connected to said wall; and  
       an elongated member extending from said bottom portion, said elongated member having structure for cooperating with said base member to connect said container to said base;  
       said base including:  
       a floor portion;  
       a supporting member configured to cooperate with said at least one supporting surface to support said container;  
       a support for said supporting member extending from said floor portion, said support having a supporting edge for engaging said supporting surface of said container to support said container on said base, wherein said supporting surface of said container is the juncture of said bottom portion and said wall, and said supporting edge is the lip of said wall; said juncture and said lip being configured to engage each other, and wherein one of said juncture and said lip includes a shoulder and an abutment surface for receiving and supporting the other of said juncture and said lip; and  
       an elongated portion extending from said floor portion towards said elongated member when said base and said container are assembled, said elongated portion cooperating with said elongated member in a telescoping manner to attach said container and said base together, wherein said elongated portion of said base has a bore with an internal abutment shoulder facing said container, said bore being configured and dimensioned to receive said elongated member, said elongated member engaging said shoulder to limit the entry of said elongated portion into said bore.  
     
     
       2. An attachment system according to  claim 1  and further including a connecting member with an interior wall, and wherein said elongated member has cooperating with the interior wall of said connecting member to attach said container and said base together. 
     
     
       3. An attachment system according to  claim 1  wherein said elongated member comprises an internally threaded tube, and wherein said attachment system further includes a connecting member comprising a screw having threads for mating with the threads of said tube for attaching said container and said base together. 
     
     
       4. An attachment system according to  claim 3  wherein said elongated portion of said base comprises an internally unthreaded tubular portion dimensioned to receive said connecting member and guide said connecting member into said unthreaded tubular portion. 
     
     
       5. An attachment system according to  claim 1  wherein one of said elongated member and said elongated portion fits inside the other of said member and portion, said elongated member and said elongated portion being configured and dimensioned for said member and portion to force fit together to attach said container and said base together. 
     
     
       6. An attachment system according to  claim 1  wherein said elongated member and said elongated portion engage each other at engaging surfaces of said member and portion, and further including adhesive on said engaging surfaces for connecting said elongated member and said elongated portion to attach said container and said base together. 
     
     
       7. An attachment system according to  claim 1  wherein said elongated member is made from thermoplastic, and wherein said base has a hole for receiving said elongated member, the end of said elongated member being heat deformable to form a cap larger than said hole to attach said containing and screw base together. 
     
     
       8. An attachment system according to  claim 1  wherein said elongated portion including a bore, and said system further includes a connecting member for extending through said base for connecting engagement with said elongated member; and wherein said floor portion of said base has an inner face facing said bottom portion of said container and an outer face, and said base is countersunk on said outer face around said bore. 
     
     
       9. An attachment system, according to  claim 1  wherein said floor portion of said base has an inner face adjacent said bottom portion of said container and an outside face, and walls extending from said inner face for contacting said elongated member of said container. 
     
     
       10. An attachment system according to  claim 1  wherein said floor portion of said base has an inner face facing said bottom portion of said container, an outer face, and a wall extending from said outer face having a distal surface for engaging ground, and wherein said elongated portion extends from said outer face. 
     
     
       11. An attachment system according to  claim 10  wherein said inner face is countersunk opposite said elongated member of said base for receiving at least a portion of said elongated member. 
     
     
       12. An attachment system according to  claim 11  wherein said inner face of said base has a peripheral lip for engaging said container to stabilize said container on said base.